My friend's planning a destination wedding; I'm part of the bridal party expected to attend, however the cost has now increased to far more than I can afford. I'm still a student, and can hardly manage tuition and rent.

My parents are kind enough to help me but I could never ask them to pay for an unnecessary vacation. I think my friend's expecting too much from me, but I know it'll break her heart if I can't be there. I fear this'll affect our friendship. What's the appropriate etiquette in this situation?

Price of Friendship

Tell her - immediately - that you'd dearly love to attend but can't afford it. If you can't say that to a friend, she's not a very good friend, and is thinking only about herself.

Offer to help with any wedding and/or travel arrangements before the trip, go with her to choose the gown or other bridal needs, and give her a gift you can afford.

Also, show your enthusiasm for getting together to see the wedding video after she and her groom return.

However, while you can certainly tell her how disappointed you are about not attending, do NOT make this about poor you, but rather about the reality of a student's life.

I'm a girl, 15, going through typical teenage problems. I've known this guy for two years, but we never talked much. Now we've become pretty good friends. A few months ago, I started wishing we were more than just friends.

I feel complete when I'm with him, and empty when I'm not. I haven't seen him since school ended, and I miss him so much, I can't stand it. Time seems to fly by so quickly when I'm with him and so slowly when I'm not.

I can't imagine life without him. I really want to take our relationship to the next level, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't feel the same way. My friend asked him and he said he didn't.

I haven't told him yet, but almost everyone knows, I think he might be starting to catch on, and I want to be the one to tell him. I'm not sure how. Should I do it in person, by phone, e-mail, or through Face Book?

I don't want to lose the relationship we do have, yet I don't want to keep this from him any longer. I've never had a boyfriend before, and I feel like he's the one, I don't want to be with anyone else, yet I don't think he wants to be with me. What should I do?

Confused

Two Rules for First Attraction: 1) Don't believe that you're too young to have these feelings; 2) Do believe that it takes some self-control to handle these feelings and not look foolish, at any age.

In this case, it means that if you broadcast your feelings everywhere - when the guy's already said he doesn't feel the same - you'll end up looking silly, and you'll push him away.

Above all, do NOT use broad-reaching social media to promote what is, so far, a one-sided romantic crush. You'll lose his friendship completely, if he can't talk to you because everyone you both know is listening and watching.

Do not seek him out and say what he already knows. Instead, when school starts again, get out your best cool-but-friendly smile. When he sees your look of self-worth and discretion, he may see you with new appreciation.

FEEDBACK Regarding wedding gifts from guests who are tight on cash:

"I'm a bride who's getting married in a few weeks; I agree that you shouldn't spend more than you can afford on gifts (my rule as a wedding guest is, "give generously for your situation").

However, many couples nowadays pay for their wedding with a large amount of their own money that could be going to other things, e.g. a house. As a result, gifts of cash are NEVER a bad idea. I believe the vast majority of brides and grooms prefer them. Gift cards, while nice, don't help to contribute to that illusive down payment."

Practical Bride

A direct cash gift often feels awkward to someone with a limited budget. While a gift coupon also provides a specific amount, the added factor of choosing a particular store, makes it feel more personal (and traditional) to the giver.